28 January 1999 Edition
Docklands, not shadowlands
By Tara O'Liaith
Last Wednesday 20 January saw a street carnival demonstration held by South Dublin inner city residents on the site of a proposed 17 storey apartment complex.
Over four hundred people joined the protest at Moss Street, off George's Quay.
Local residents carrying banners proclaiming `Docklands not Shadowlands' stressed that they are not opposed to progress, but to skyscrapers that can only serve to detract light from what is already a fairly built-up area, not to mention the fact that there is a severe lack of affordable housing in the locality.
The residents feel that this development, if it goes ahead, will set a precedent for other developers to build high rise blocks locally.
Mr Derek Murphy, secretary of the Combined Community Association, said ``There is no benefit to the local community. The only person to gain is the developer''.
Following the example of other communities who have protested successfully against similar proposed monstrosities within their areas, such as the Community Council in the Ringsend area and the Shelbourne Park Residents Association, the Combined Community Association at George's Quay are in favour of developing unused land - but with the needs of the community in mind.
Local Sinn Fein representative Daithi Doolan said ``These developments only serve to increase the profits of private developers and take much needed land out of the reach of the Pearse Street community''.
Supporting the communities' demand for ``real'' development, Doolan said, ``we are in favour of real substantial development that have the people's needs at its cornerstone''.
It will be a few months before the outcome is known, as Bord Pleanala are dealing with a backlog at present.
Last Wednesday 20 January saw a street carnival demonstration held by South Dublin inner city residents on the site of a proposed 17 storey apartment complex.
Over four hundred people joined the protest at Moss Street, off George's Quay.
Local residents carrying banners proclaiming `Docklands not Shadowlands' stressed that they are not opposed to progress, but to skyscrapers that can only serve to detract light from what is already a fairly built-up area, not to mention the fact that there is a severe lack of affordable housing in the locality.
The residents feel that this development, if it goes ahead, will set a precedent for other developers to build high rise blocks locally.
Mr Derek Murphy, secretary of the Combined Community Association, said ``There is no benefit to the local community. The only person to gain is the developer''.
Following the example of other communities who have protested successfully against similar proposed monstrosities within their areas, such as the Community Council in the Ringsend area and the Shelbourne Park Residents Association, the Combined Community Association at George's Quay are in favour of developing unused land - but with the needs of the community in mind.
Local Sinn Fein representative Daithi Doolan said ``These developments only serve to increase the profits of private developers and take much needed land out of the reach of the Pearse Street community''.
Supporting the communities' demand for ``real'' development, Doolan said, ``we are in favour of real substantial development that have the people's needs at its cornerstone''.
It will be a few months before the outcome is known, as Bord Pleanala are dealing with a backlog at present.